Ocean Health OverviewTeamsProjectsLatest NewsData The ocean provides critical life support for humans—our mild climate, much of the air we breathe, and food—but the ocean’s health is taking a hit. The ocean faces a rising tide of threats, but perhaps none more urgent than climate change.We’ve been fortunate that the ocean has buffered our planet from the worst of climate change, but that’s come at a high cost. Increasing temperatures, ocean acidification, decreasing oxygen, and rising sea levels are some of the most significant impacts on marine ecosystems.All life on Earth depends on a healthy and productive ocean. MBARI scientists and engineers collaborate to develop and build innovative technologies to monitor ocean health and track changes in marine environments. Our research has contributed to raising public awareness about the health and future of the ocean.These MBARI teams and projects are tackling issues related to ocean health and how marine life responds to climate change, pollution, and other threats. Read More Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Teams All Teams Benthic Biology and Ecology Team Benthic Biology and Ecology The Benthic Biology Team studies the diversity of life on the seafloor, from exploring deep-sea habitats to measuring the effect of ocean change on the lives of marine animals. Biological Oceanography Group Team Biological Oceanography Group The Biological Oceanography Team studies how life in the sea responds to climate change. We advance the field by improving methods to detect, observe, and understand variations of marine flora and fauna. Carbon Flux Ecology Team Carbon Flux Ecology The Carbon Flux Ecology Team resolves the biology and ecology of sinking particles to advance our understanding of the ocean’s role in regulating the carbon cycle and climate. Chemical Sensors Team Chemical Sensors This team develops sensor and float technologies to record fundamental ocean properties. Once a float is deployed, it takes measurements frequently, helping us understand our changing ocean. Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) Team Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) OBS develops and applies new sensing technologies to study ocean biogeochemical cycles, with an emphasis on the coastal ocean. Bioinspiration Lab Team Bioinspiration Lab The Bioinspiration Lab brings the ocean into the lab, and the lab into the ocean, by developing advanced imaging systems and algorithms to study marine life. Midwater Ecology Team Midwater Ecology The Midwater Ecology Team studies the animals of the oceanic water column directly, using undersea vehicles to carry cameras, instruments, tools, and samplers into their deep habitat. Biodiversity and Biooptics Team Biodiversity and Biooptics Gelatinous predators such as ctenophores, siphonophores, and hydromedusae display dazzling body forms and behaviors, and provide surprising linkages across the oceanic food web. Ocean Soundscape Team Ocean Soundscape Exploring natural and anthropogenic sound in the ocean to advance marine ecology and inform stewardship of the sea. Projects All Projects Detecting Episodic Export Events Team Detecting Episodic Export Events Ecology of Marine Snow Team Ecology of Marine Snow Baleen Whale Behavioral Ecology Team Baleen Whale Behavioral Ecology Integrating passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales with other methods of observing whales, their environment, and their prey. Blue Whale Observatory Team Blue Whale Observatory Exploring the behavioral ecology of Earth’s largest animal species—the blue whale—and the krill that sustain them. Ocean Noise Team Ocean Noise Anthropogenic noise can have far reaching effects on the health of marine life. This project examines anthropogenic noise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Open Acoustic Data Team Open Acoustic Data Enabling global open access to MBARI’s passive acoustic monitoring data and associated analysis tools, through a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Community Studies Team Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Community Studies Studies of deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems at Sur Ridge and Davidson Seamount focus on oceanographic and biological factors influencing their diversity and abundance. Octopus Garden Team Octopus Garden MBARI research and technology have revealed that thermal springs at the base of Davidson Seamount are an important nursery for the deep-sea pearl octopus (Muusoctopus robustus). Vertical Migration Studies Team Vertical Migration Studies Vertically migrating animals comprise a large and active component of the ocean’s biological pump, and when compared with passively sinking detritus, the vertical migrators contribute significantly to the overall flux of particulate organic carbon. Age and Growth Studies Team Age and Growth Studies Studying the pace of life of deep-sea animals to better understand their recovery rates and resilience. Behavior Studies Team Behavior Studies Behavior patterns of deep-sea animals have long been a subject of mystery and speculation. Because of access provided by MBARI’s ROVs, detailed observations of the behavior of these animals have become possible for the first time. Food Web Dynamics Team Food Web Dynamics Explaining the complex structure and functioning of the deep-sea food web off Central California. Respiration Studies Team Respiration Studies Investigating the ecological effects of Central California’s expanding oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Midwater Time Series Team Midwater Time Series Providing specific data to investigate the natural and climate-change-caused variability of oceanic communities at depths below the mixed layer. Understanding the Effects of a Changing Ocean Team Understanding the Effects of a Changing Ocean Focusing on how marine animals will respond to shifting ocean conditions caused by climate change and other human activities. Coral Reef Metabolism Team Coral Reef Metabolism Developing autonomous systems to measure coral reef metabolism. Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay Team Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay The Land-Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) consists of robust moorings that can withstand tidal currents and weather. Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) Team Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) SOCCOM is an NSF-sponsored program focused on unlocking the mysteries of the Southern Ocean and determining its influence on climate. Lost Shipping Container Studies Team Lost Shipping Container Studies An estimated 10,000 shipping containers fall from ships each year, ultimately sinking to the seafloor where their ecological effects are largely unknown. Publications All Publications Sorry, no publications were found. Latest News All News News MBARI and Monterey Bay Aquarium celebrate major milestone for ocean science and conservation Behind the Scenes 10.22.24 News Special issue of Oceanography highlights the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network News 12.07.21 News Autonomous robotic rover helps scientists with long-term monitoring of deep-sea carbon cycle and climate change Press Release 11.03.21 Technologies All Technologies Sorry, no results were found. Data All Data Data Wave Glider Sparky Real Time Data Plots Data from MBARI's Wave Glider named Sparky which is an autonomous surface vehicle Data Wave Glider Tiny Real Time Data Plots Data from MBARI's Wave Glider named Tiny which is an autonomous surface vehicle Data M1 Mooring Real Time Plots Near real time data from the M1 mooring which is located near the mouth of Monterey Bay in roughly 1,000 meters of water Data Ocean Acidification 2 (OA 2) Mooring Data from the OA2 mooring that was initially deployed near Terrace Point then was moved to Año Nuevo Data What’s Happening in Monterey Bay Today Check out MBARI's ODSS which provides real-time feedback of research activity in Monterey Bay Data ESP Data The ESP provides in situ collection and analysis of water samples from the subsurface ocean Data Spatial Temporal Oceanographic Query System (STOQS) Data STOQS is open-source software that provides new capabilities for scientists to gain insight from oceanographic data Data Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) CeNCOOS is a collaborative that enables coastal measurements, model forecasts, and integrated products to inform decisions about our regional ocean Data Deep-Sea Guide The Deep-Sea Guide provides access to the MBARI’s database of millions of records of deep-sea animals, seafloor habitats, geological features, and research tools Data Monterey Bay Time Series Data Graphs of core properties from shipboard CTD bottle (BCTD) and profiling (PCTD) samples taken in Monterey Bay, from 1989-Present
Benthic Biology and Ecology Team Benthic Biology and Ecology The Benthic Biology Team studies the diversity of life on the seafloor, from exploring deep-sea habitats to measuring the effect of ocean change on the lives of marine animals.
Biological Oceanography Group Team Biological Oceanography Group The Biological Oceanography Team studies how life in the sea responds to climate change. We advance the field by improving methods to detect, observe, and understand variations of marine flora and fauna.
Carbon Flux Ecology Team Carbon Flux Ecology The Carbon Flux Ecology Team resolves the biology and ecology of sinking particles to advance our understanding of the ocean’s role in regulating the carbon cycle and climate.
Chemical Sensors Team Chemical Sensors This team develops sensor and float technologies to record fundamental ocean properties. Once a float is deployed, it takes measurements frequently, helping us understand our changing ocean.
Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) Team Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) OBS develops and applies new sensing technologies to study ocean biogeochemical cycles, with an emphasis on the coastal ocean.
Bioinspiration Lab Team Bioinspiration Lab The Bioinspiration Lab brings the ocean into the lab, and the lab into the ocean, by developing advanced imaging systems and algorithms to study marine life.
Midwater Ecology Team Midwater Ecology The Midwater Ecology Team studies the animals of the oceanic water column directly, using undersea vehicles to carry cameras, instruments, tools, and samplers into their deep habitat.
Biodiversity and Biooptics Team Biodiversity and Biooptics Gelatinous predators such as ctenophores, siphonophores, and hydromedusae display dazzling body forms and behaviors, and provide surprising linkages across the oceanic food web.
Ocean Soundscape Team Ocean Soundscape Exploring natural and anthropogenic sound in the ocean to advance marine ecology and inform stewardship of the sea.
Baleen Whale Behavioral Ecology Team Baleen Whale Behavioral Ecology Integrating passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales with other methods of observing whales, their environment, and their prey.
Blue Whale Observatory Team Blue Whale Observatory Exploring the behavioral ecology of Earth’s largest animal species—the blue whale—and the krill that sustain them.
Ocean Noise Team Ocean Noise Anthropogenic noise can have far reaching effects on the health of marine life. This project examines anthropogenic noise in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Open Acoustic Data Team Open Acoustic Data Enabling global open access to MBARI’s passive acoustic monitoring data and associated analysis tools, through a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Community Studies Team Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Community Studies Studies of deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems at Sur Ridge and Davidson Seamount focus on oceanographic and biological factors influencing their diversity and abundance.
Octopus Garden Team Octopus Garden MBARI research and technology have revealed that thermal springs at the base of Davidson Seamount are an important nursery for the deep-sea pearl octopus (Muusoctopus robustus).
Vertical Migration Studies Team Vertical Migration Studies Vertically migrating animals comprise a large and active component of the ocean’s biological pump, and when compared with passively sinking detritus, the vertical migrators contribute significantly to the overall flux of particulate organic carbon.
Age and Growth Studies Team Age and Growth Studies Studying the pace of life of deep-sea animals to better understand their recovery rates and resilience.
Behavior Studies Team Behavior Studies Behavior patterns of deep-sea animals have long been a subject of mystery and speculation. Because of access provided by MBARI’s ROVs, detailed observations of the behavior of these animals have become possible for the first time.
Food Web Dynamics Team Food Web Dynamics Explaining the complex structure and functioning of the deep-sea food web off Central California.
Respiration Studies Team Respiration Studies Investigating the ecological effects of Central California’s expanding oxygen minimum zone (OMZ).
Midwater Time Series Team Midwater Time Series Providing specific data to investigate the natural and climate-change-caused variability of oceanic communities at depths below the mixed layer.
Understanding the Effects of a Changing Ocean Team Understanding the Effects of a Changing Ocean Focusing on how marine animals will respond to shifting ocean conditions caused by climate change and other human activities.
Coral Reef Metabolism Team Coral Reef Metabolism Developing autonomous systems to measure coral reef metabolism.
Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay Team Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) in Elkhorn Slough and Monterey Bay The Land-Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) consists of robust moorings that can withstand tidal currents and weather.
Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) Team Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observations and Modeling (SOCCOM) SOCCOM is an NSF-sponsored program focused on unlocking the mysteries of the Southern Ocean and determining its influence on climate.
Lost Shipping Container Studies Team Lost Shipping Container Studies An estimated 10,000 shipping containers fall from ships each year, ultimately sinking to the seafloor where their ecological effects are largely unknown.
News MBARI and Monterey Bay Aquarium celebrate major milestone for ocean science and conservation Behind the Scenes 10.22.24
News Special issue of Oceanography highlights the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network News 12.07.21
News Autonomous robotic rover helps scientists with long-term monitoring of deep-sea carbon cycle and climate change Press Release 11.03.21
Data Wave Glider Sparky Real Time Data Plots Data from MBARI's Wave Glider named Sparky which is an autonomous surface vehicle
Data Wave Glider Tiny Real Time Data Plots Data from MBARI's Wave Glider named Tiny which is an autonomous surface vehicle
Data M1 Mooring Real Time Plots Near real time data from the M1 mooring which is located near the mouth of Monterey Bay in roughly 1,000 meters of water
Data Ocean Acidification 2 (OA 2) Mooring Data from the OA2 mooring that was initially deployed near Terrace Point then was moved to Año Nuevo
Data What’s Happening in Monterey Bay Today Check out MBARI's ODSS which provides real-time feedback of research activity in Monterey Bay
Data ESP Data The ESP provides in situ collection and analysis of water samples from the subsurface ocean
Data Spatial Temporal Oceanographic Query System (STOQS) Data STOQS is open-source software that provides new capabilities for scientists to gain insight from oceanographic data
Data Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) CeNCOOS is a collaborative that enables coastal measurements, model forecasts, and integrated products to inform decisions about our regional ocean
Data Deep-Sea Guide The Deep-Sea Guide provides access to the MBARI’s database of millions of records of deep-sea animals, seafloor habitats, geological features, and research tools
Data Monterey Bay Time Series Data Graphs of core properties from shipboard CTD bottle (BCTD) and profiling (PCTD) samples taken in Monterey Bay, from 1989-Present